During annual performance evaluations of RNs, a nurse manager is assessing staff behaviors. Which of the following behaviors indicates INEFFECTIVE followership?

Choice A Reason:

Medication costs are a significant part of healthcare expenses, and managing these costs can contribute to overall savings. However, nurse managers typically have limited control over medication pricing and procurement, which are often handled by pharmacy departments and higher-level administration. While they can influence medication usage and waste reduction, their impact on overall cost reduction through medication management is less direct compared to staffing.

Choice B Reason:

Fixed costs, such as building maintenance, utilities, and equipment depreciation, are essential to consider in budget management. However, these costs are generally less flexible and harder to adjust in the short term. Nurse managers have limited influence over these expenses, as they are often predetermined by long-term contracts and organizational policies. Therefore, focusing on fixed costs may not yield significant immediate cost reductions.

Choice C Reason:

Staffing is the area where nurse managers can have the most significant influence on cost reduction. Effective staffing management involves optimizing nurse-to-patient ratios, reducing overtime, and ensuring that staffing levels align with patient care needs. By managing staffing efficiently, nurse managers can control labor costs, which are one of the largest expenses in healthcare. Additionally, appropriate staffing levels can improve patient outcomes and reduce turnover, further contributing to cost savings.

Choice D Reason:

Supplies are another area where nurse managers can influence cost reduction. By monitoring inventory, reducing waste, and negotiating with suppliers, nurse managers can help control supply costs. However, while managing supplies is important, the potential savings are generally smaller compared to the impact of effective staffing management.

Choice A Reason:

Displaying the client’s medical diagnosis on a message board within the client’s room is a violation of patient privacy and confidentiality. According to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), patient information must be kept confidential and only shared with individuals directly involved in the patient’s care. Displaying such information publicly could lead to unauthorized access and breaches of confidentiality.

Choice B Reason:

Sharing her password with a new nurse during orientation to enable the new nurse to input her client’s vital signs is inappropriate. Password sharing is a significant security risk and violates hospital policies designed to protect patient information. Each healthcare worker should have their own login credentials to ensure accountability and maintain the integrity of the electronic health record system.

Choice C Reason:

Signing out of the computer system after recording a client’s intake and output measurements is an appropriate action. This practice ensures that patient information is secure and that the system is not left open for unauthorized access. It also helps maintain the accuracy and integrity of patient records by ensuring that only authorized personnel can make entries.

Choice D Reason:

Disposing of her nursing activity worksheet in a trash bin near the elevator at the conclusion of the shift is inappropriate. Nursing activity worksheets often contain sensitive patient information, and disposing of them in a public trash bin can lead to breaches of confidentiality. Proper disposal methods, such as shredding, should be used to ensure that patient information is securely destroyed.